another huge story tonight pope benedict the 16th says he is stepping down at the end of the month for health reasons. the bombshell that hit the vatican. catholics around the world are reacting to the resignation of their spiritual leader. i think this is a very noble and selfless act that the pope is doing. " benedictus 16th is nearly 86 he says his mind and body are no longer up to the job. after having repeatedly examined my conscious before god i have come to the certainty that my strength due to an advanced age are no longer suited to the adequate exercise of the ministry he took over as pope in 2005 as the church was facing declining popularity in parts of the world and a worsening scandal over the sexual abuse of children by priests and some people criticize him over his handling of that problem. we hope he will make some decisive action that would protect kids today. his successor will be chosen by the college of cardinals sometime after he steps down on february 18th 28th of february. if we look at who is a very articulate voice in that continuity. he appointed more than half